Nyko and Nintendo Address Third-Party Switch Dock Bricking Concerns

About two weeks ago, we reported on a story that seemed to suggest that third-party Nintendo Switch docks were having trouble getting along with the latest Nintendo Switch firmware update 5.0.0. In particular, we heard stories that many players who had been using Nyko docks specifically were finding that some sort of interaction between the dock and the software seemed to be bricking people's Switch systems. It appears that both Nintendo and Nyko have heard the same stories, and now we've got an official statement from both companies regarding the matter.

Nyko in particular is under the spotlight in this issue, and unsurprisingly, the company is looking into the problem. In a statement provided to Kotaku via e-mail, a Nyko representative stated that the company is still looking for the exact cause of concern.

“[Nyko is] aware of the issue some Portable Docking Kit owners are facing after updating the firmware on their Nintendo Switch to version 5.0. Though further testing is still required to determine the exact root cause of the problem, we believe it is related to the way the Switch handles AV output for an external TV/monitor while the console is docked on the Portable Docking Kit.”

Nyko's Portable Switch Docking Kit is one of the primary accessories affected by the new Switch firmware.

Nintendo has also provided a statement on the matter, the likes of which are unlikely to surprise anyone:

"Unlicensed products and accessories do not undergo Nintendo’s testing and evaluation process. They might not work at all with our game systems, and they could have compatibility problems with certain games, the Nintendo Switch system itself, and other licensed accessories and peripherals.”

For now, it looks like players are still advised to stay away from any type of third-party dock until the bricking issue is rectified. Waiting is problematic, however, as Nintendo isn't exactly obliged to update their software to help the Switch get along with third-party accessories. Similarly, third-party Switch accessory manufacturers will likely be unable to address the issue until it's clear what part of Nintendo's well-secured code is creating problems.

Until then, players should stick with the default Nintendo Switch dock. Alternatively, Switch owners can use their first-party Nintendo Switch charger with any number different 3D-printed Switch accessories, the likes of which don't rely on additional circuitry and shouldn't have any effect on the user's system. While 3D-printed docks won't provide proper TV output, they should run zero risk of turning the Switch into a paperweight.

Kevin Tucker is a core component of Shacknews' powerful guide development team. For questions, concerns, tips, or to share constructive criticism, he can be reached on Twitter @dukeofgnar or through e-mail at kevin.tucker@shacknews.com.

The part I don’t quite get is why the Switch dock costs $80. That’s the only reason I don’t have a second one yet (that it’s just expensive enough to hesitate about buying one - I probably will eventually anyway). It’s over a third of what the entire package costs in the first place and I just can’t imagine it really constitutes that much of the cost of the system. It’s more expensive than the already pricey pro controller.

I get that they want to make money and the cost of materials doesn’t determine price or else everything would be sold at cost, but I just have to think if they lowered the price to, say, $50, a lot of gamers would start buying one of these for every television in their house. At the price it’s at now you might buy one for a second television in your house but that’s it.

Or maybe I’m just way underestimating this thing and it’s really worth that much. After all I’m sitting here thinking it’s a simple deal but apparently you can fuck it up hard enough to brick a Switch.

I trashed two third party docks. I actually like how the official dock looks on my desk, so I’m looking into buying a second official dock to transplant into a portable HDMI out thingie. Problem is I already bought a 2nd official Nintendo power adapter, and all docks for sale near me are dock+adapter.

Having three USB-C power adapters isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but Nintendo Switch’s is fucking weird as it doesn’t charge my power bank. It just shuts off when it detects my Anker power bank pulling (too much) power. I don’t know whose problem that is, I just know power over USB-C is a huge mess spec- and compatibility-wise. So TLDR: I use the Switch’s power adapter as a Nintendo Switch-only adapter, regardless of its “universal” USB-C connector.